Last season, McEwen's biggest game as a receiver came in week three when he caught five passes for 54 yards. For the season, he had 13 receptions (tied for third most) for 111 yards on a team that prefers the run first.

“We’re trying to put an emphasis on defense here and we needed help there,” said coach Tony Annese. “He is a guy we think can really play it, and he’s proven it already. He’s our best cornerback.”

Annese said the switch was also made because of his athletic ability.

“He’s that kind of athlete who can do that (change from receiver to defender),” he said. “And, honestly from a receiver perspective for what we do, we can make full use of his potential on the other side.”

McEwen was told of the plan before spring practice, which gave him time to acclimate to the change in scenery.

Now, he said, the switch gives him an advantage.

“I think I bring a lot mentally because I know the defense like the back of my hand from playing receiver,” McEwen said. “It was a little difficult at first, but having the spring really helped get me up to speed.

“I’m embracing this. I know my role is basically lockdown corner. It’s my job to be on that island and lock up whoever that No. 1 receiver is.”

The Bulldogs open the season Saturday, Sept. 7, at North Dakota State.

It also makes for some lively practices. His father is Sparky McEwen, the receivers coach. And the son doesn’t have to listen to dad like he used to.

“Honestly it’s pretty fun, because we go at it pretty much every day,” McEwen said of practice with his father. “When its one-on-one periods and we go against receivers, now I can give it instead of getting yelled at.”

The change also brings new goals. Receivers tend to garner the glory and cornerbacks are spotlighted for mistakes, which isn’t lost on McEwen.

“I’m ready for that,” he said. “It happens to Revis (Darrelle Revis of Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and happened to Deion (Sanders, a Hall of Fame cornerback). So if it happens, I’ll just move on.”

That should also be considered a very good sign for the coaching staff, because McEwen said “if.”